Masterpieces of music and the magic of organ sounds – the 32nd edition of the “Non Sola Scripta” festival has begun.

For two months, Ostrów Tumski will be filled with the exceptional sounds of organ and chamber music as part of the “Non Sola Scripta” festival. During the July concerts, we will hear outstanding artists – including the family trio Gach, baroque violinist Zbigniew Pilch, and world-class Austrian organist Bernhard Gfrerer. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the magic of masterful music within the historic walls of the Church of the Holy Cross.

The Johannes Brahms Organ and Chamber Music Festival “Non Sola Scripta” has been a special part of Wrocław’s cultural scene for over three decades. During the concerts, audiences have a rare chance to experience both classical and contemporary compositions in original arrangements. A distinctive feature of the festival is the skillful blending of improvisations by renowned organists with performances by outstanding instrumentalists and vocalists, making each concert a unique and emotionally resonant experience. The July concerts will feature a stylistic diversity – from solo improvisations to full, mood-rich chamber sounds performed by top-tier artists.

July 13th concert Zbigniew Gach, Mieczysław Gach, Piotr Gach

Zbigniew Gach – a well-known organist and chamber musician, graduate of the master’s class of Prof. Andrzej Chorosiński at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw. He performs as a soloist and chamber musician both in Poland and internationally, presenting a wide repertoire from early music to contemporary compositions. He is the artistic director and organizer of numerous organ music festivals in Pomerania, including Ustka, Darłowo, and Łeba, actively promoting organ music in the region.

Mieczysław Gach – a distinguished horn player, chamber musician, and educator, graduate of the Academy of Music in Warsaw. He has been affiliated with the Sinfonia Baltica Philharmonic in Słupsk since 1978. He has performed in prestigious concert halls such as Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, collaborating with renowned artists and ballet companies. He has recorded over 10 albums and numerous radio and TV broadcasts. For over 20 years, he has been involved in music therapy and social activism to support people with disabilities.

Piotr Gach – cellist, composer, and arranger, graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and the Academy of Music in Katowice. He is a laureate of numerous prestigious competitions. He is the concertmaster of the Cavatina Philharmonic Orchestra and a cellist with the Radom Chamber Orchestra. He collaborates with leading Polish chamber orchestras and philharmonics. He is also the leader of EtnosEnsemble and the AcCello Duo, which has performed across most European countries, as well as in Qatar, Azerbaijan, and Kenya.

July 20th concert – Bernhard Gfrerer, Zbigniew Pilch, Marta Niedźwiecka

Bernhard Gfrerer – one of the most outstanding Austrian concert organists in the world. His interpretations of Mozart’s works are renowned for their superb technical mastery and exceptional musicality. He has performed with major international soloists such as Placido Domingo and José Carreras, on stages across Europe, Asia, and America. Gfrerer has made numerous radio and CD recordings, served as a juror at international competitions, and teaches master classes. In 2005, he received the honorary title of Professor Honoris Causa from the Republic of Austria.

Zbigniew Pilch – professor at the Academy of Music in Kraków, one of Poland’s leading baroque violinists. He has been awarded the “Merited for Polish Culture” medal. He performs as a soloist, chamber musician, and conductor, playing baroque and modern violins, viola da gamba, and violi d’amore. As a conductor, he has worked with many Polish philharmonics. His recordings – including the recent solo album “Bach Romantique” – have received important awards and nominations, such as the Wrocław Artistic Award 2024 and a nomination for the Fryderyk 2025.

Marta Niedźwiecka – chamber musician and educator, graduate of the Wrocław Academy of Music and the Hochschule für Musik in Leipzig. She has received multiple awards and scholarships, and participates in international festivals of early and contemporary music. She collaborates with esteemed ensembles such as Wrocław Baroque Ensemble and Ars Cantus. She has performed at numerous festivals, including Bach-Fest Leipzig, Ohrid Summer Festival, and Usedomer Musikfestival. Marta has recorded many albums, several of which have won or been nominated for the Fryderyk award.

July 27th concert – Małgorzata Klorek, Piotr Piechocki, Karolina Stańczyk-Piechocka

Małgorzata Klorek – organist and educator, graduate of the Academy of Music in Poznań. She has enhanced her skills through international courses led by renowned virtuosos both in Poland and abroad. For years, she has organized interpretation and improvisation courses for youth in Poland and Germany. She is the coordinator of the Polish-German project of the European Organ Academy in Wartin.

Piotr Piechocki – habilitated doctor, clarinetist, and chamber musician, long-time member of the Szczecin Philharmonic. Founder of the West Pomeranian Clarinet Festival and numerous chamber ensembles, including “Ars Nova” and the “Divertimento” Wind Quartet. He conducts concert, educational, and workshop activities. Recently, he has performed at organ festivals in Poland, Germany, and Sweden. He has been awarded, among others, the Bronze Cross of Merit and the Honorary Badge “Merited for Polish Culture.”

Karolina Stańczyk-Piechocka – pianist and educator, graduate of the Academy of Music in Poznań, faculty at the Academy of Art in Szczecin. In collaboration with Piotr Piechocki, she premiered works for clarinet and piano by Polish composer Łukasz Wos, recorded on the album “Colors of the Clarinet.” She cooperates with the Camerata Stargard Orchestra and the Szczecin Philharmonic, with which she recorded, among other things, the soundtrack to Władysław Pasikowski’s film “The Courier”.

For musical meetings with “Non Sola Scripta”, organizers continue to invite you to the Gothic Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross and St. Bartholomew on Ostrów Tumski, which is usually inaccessible to visitors. Tickets are available at nonsolascripta.pl, strefakultury.pl, and on-site before concerts.

 

XXXII Johannes Brahms Organ and Chamber Music Festival “Non Sola Scripta”

6 July – 31 August 2025 | every Sunday at 7:00 p.m.

Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross and St. Bartholomew
pl. Kościelny 1, Wrocław

FESTIVAL PROGRAM